02.06.2026 – Cetaceans
June 8, 2026
Today’s tours were treated to an incredible display of marine life activity.
Throughout the day, we encountered several schools of Bottlenose dolphins )Tursiops trancatus) actively hunting small fish, creating a truly spectacular scene on the water. Joining the feast were numerous Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris borealis), skillfully diving in to snatch fish whenever the opportunity arose, adding even more excitement to the encounter.
Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) were also abundant today, surfacing repeatedly and providing our guests with multiple memorable sightings.
The highlight of the afternoon was an encounter with several Pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata).
These elusive animals are rarely observed, as they tend to travel quickly and spend most of their lives in deep offshore waters. Although their appearance was brief, it was more than enough to leave a lasting impression and made for a very special sighting.
Despite their name, the pygmy killer whale is actually a small and rarely seen oceanic dolphin. Reaching lengths of up to 2.6 meters and weights of around 225 kilograms, it is named for its rounded head, which lacks a beak, and its strong, conical teeth that resemble those of the true killer whale.
Because this species inhabits deep tropical and subtropical waters and is naturally uncommon, relatively little is known about its behavior and ecology. Every encounter with these fascinating animals offers a valuable glimpse into the lives of one of the ocean’s most mysterious dolphins.
By Gemma Stockmans
Sightings of the day
Stenella
09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bryde’s whales
13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales, Pygmy killer whales, Loggerhead turtle
16:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales
Steno
09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins
13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Bryde’s whales, Pygmy killer whales, Loggerhead turtle
